Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2024


Page 1 of 38
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Social network of synapses controls their actions

A recent study suggests that synaptic plasticity is a collective action, where the behavior of one synapse influences others. The researchers found that strong competition among neighboring spines affects their dynamics and influences the direction and extent of plasticity. Understanding how neurons manage synaptic resources may contri...

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2024

Single blood test predicts 30-year cardiovascular disease risks for women

Researchers found that measuring two types of fat in the bloodstream along with C-reactive protein can predict a woman's risk for cardiovascular disease decades later. Women with high levels of LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) and CRP had increased associated risks for heart disease, stroke and coronary heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 31, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Language improves learning in artificial networks

Researchers used artificial networks as teachers and students to investigate how language-like communication enhances learning. The results showed that both roles developed a language that enables the student to learn from the teacher, influenced by task and learner performance.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2024

New insights into keloid formation and potential treatments

Researchers identified 25 ferroptosis-related genes in keloids, including ALOX12 and CYP4F8, which show reduced activity. Understanding how specific miRNAs regulate ferroptosis may lead to new therapies that target these molecules to control keloid growth.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2024

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is better than medical therapy alone in patients with heart failure and mitral regurgitation

A randomized controlled trial found that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) significantly reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalizations for heart failure, compared to medical therapy alone. The study also showed improved health status in patients with moderate to severe functional mitral regurgitation.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 31, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

SNU researchers develop ultra-high efficiency next-generation perovskite light-emitting diodes by strengthening perovskite lattice

Researchers at Seoul National University developed ultra-high efficiency perovskite nanocrystal LEDs by incorporating conjugated molecular multipods to strengthen the lattice and reduce dynamic disorder, leading to improved luminescence efficiency. This achievement is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-g...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

RNA template-based targeted gene editing in mammalian cells

Experts propose a series of scientific principles and experimental approaches to assess potential carcinogenicity of gene therapies. Data transparency is crucial, with publicly accessible data from viral integrations site studies and clinical settings.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateAug 30, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New clues on how the heart makes arteries

Researchers have elucidated how new arteries form in the heart using single-cell sequencing and 3D mapping. Pre-arterial cells play a major role in growing new arteries, contradicting current thinking about artery development. This discovery opens possibilities for developing treatments that stimulate regenerative pathways.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

Genomic dark matter solves butterfly evolutionary riddle

A team of international researchers has discovered a surprising genetic mechanism that influences the vibrant patterns on butterfly wings. An RNA molecule controls where dark pigments are made during butterfly metamorphosis, shaping the butterfly's color patterns in a way previously unforeseen.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2024

What’s the frequency? Quarterly reporting aids investors

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that more frequent financial reporting aids investors in predicting future earnings. Quarterly reports lead to better-correlated returns with long-term future earnings, making it easier for investors to forecast and incorporate them into current stock prices.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAccounting Horizons·DateAug 30, 2024

What a submerged ancient bridge discovered in a Spanish cave reveals about early human settlement

A new study by University of South Florida geologist Bogdan Onac and colleagues has found that humans settled the western Mediterranean much earlier than previously believed. The discovery of a 25-foot submerged bridge, dated to nearly 6,000 years ago, provides compelling evidence of earlier human activity on Mallorca's island.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

NCT/UCC Dresden: Millions in funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for state-of-the-art imaging to accurately detect minute tumors

The NCT/UCC Dresden research team will utilize the funding to carry out fundamental studies and develop novel physical effects to optimize short-wave infrared imaging. This technology has the potential to enable non-invasive microscopic examination of deeper tissue layers, improving tumor diagnosis and therapy.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateAug 30, 2024
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Coordination dynamics of iron enables the selective C-N coupling but bypasses unwanted C-H hydroxylation in Fe(II)/-ketoglutarate-dependent non-heme enzymes

The study reveals that conformational change of Fe(IV)=O species and substrate coordination are key to the selective C-N coupling. The aziridination reaction involves rotation of the side-chain, causing steric hindrance that inhibits it. In contrast, hydroxylation has minor steric effects.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateAug 30, 2024

When the heat makes you disoriented

Researchers find that heatwaves significantly impair bumblebees' ability to detect floral scents, leading to up to 80% deterioration in female workers. The study highlights the importance of considering climate change's impact on insect-plant interactions for future species conservation initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 30, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Atrial fibrillation guidelines focus on shared and equal care, patient empowerment, comorbidities, evidence-based management and dynamic re-evaluation

The new ESC Guidelines focus on tackling atrial fibrillation's growing impact by emphasizing equal care, education, and dynamic re-evaluation. Comorbidities and risk factors are critical to managing AF, with a 'safety-first' approach and shared-decision making on treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

New discoveries about how mosquitoes mate may help the fight against malaria

Researchers at the University of Washington have uncovered surprising details about mosquito mating, revealing that males can visually lock on to female targets in a crowded swarm. The team's findings could lead to the development of new mosquito traps specific to malaria-carrying species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

New study finds Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared with Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared to Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees. The researchers suggest that future work should examine the impact of specific services covered by health insurance on frailty and health trajector...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Vutrisiran offers a new lifeline to patients with progressive heart condition

A phase 3 study has shown that vutrisiran, an RNA interference therapeutic, reduces all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events by 28% and 33% respectively in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy. The treatment also improves functional capacity, quality of life, and NYHA class.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2024

New species of Antarctic dragonfish highlights its threatened ecosystem

A new species of Antarctic dragonfish, Akarotaxis gouldae, has been identified in waters off the western Antarctic Peninsula. The discovery highlights the fragile state of the Antarctic ecosystem and raises concerns about the impact of commercial fishing activities on this vulnerable species.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalZootaxa·DateAug 30, 2024

Semaglutide reduces COVID-19 related deaths in patients with obesity and CVD

A new substudy of the SELECT Trial found that semaglutide reduced rates of all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death, including death from COVID-19, in patients with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease without diabetes. Semaglutide also showed protective effects against COVID-19-related adverse events.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Upcycling excess carbon dioxide with tiny microbes

Researchers rewired a microbe to convert CO2 into mevalonate, a valuable pharmaceutical building block. The newly engineered microbes produced significantly more mevalonate than control strains, offering a promising solution for carbon capture and utilization.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 30, 2024

Novel chemical tool aims to streamline drug-making process

A team of chemists has developed a novel tool to streamline the drug-making process, enabling researchers to create new molecules quickly and efficiently. The discovery of stable nickel complexes can help reduce the time to market for life-saving medicines while increasing drug efficacy and reducing side effects.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Biodiversity loss: Many students of environment-related subjects are partly unaware of the causes

A worldwide survey by Goethe University Frankfurt found that students in environmental studies are unaware of the main causes of biodiversity loss. The study identified eight response types with varying levels of understanding, with climate change being underestimated in many countries. The researchers suggest that this lack of knowled...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

CNIC scientists discover a new cardiovascular risk factor and identify a drug able to reduce its effects

Researchers at CNIC discover clonal hematopoiesis as a new cause of atherosclerosis, while identifying the ancient medication colchicine as a potential treatment. Clonal hematopoiesis is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with no influence on the progression of mutated blood cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

How stressed are you? Nanoparticles pave the way for home stress testing

Researchers have developed a cost-effective and easily reproducible point-of-care testing device that can accurately measure cortisol levels in the blood. The device uses iridium oxide nanoparticles to improve stability, sensitivity, and selectivity, allowing for commercial use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalTalanta·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

Semaglutide improves heart health outcomes beyond weight loss

New studies show semaglutide reduces all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. The medication also improves heart failure symptoms and physical limitations in those with obesity-related HFpEF, regardless of sex.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NASA, ESA missions help scientists uncover how solar wind gets energy

Scientists have discovered how the Sun's supersonic solar wind receives energy, thanks to a lucky alignment of NASA and ESA spacecraft. The fastest solar winds are powered by magnetic switchbacks, which deposit enough energy to account for heating and acceleration in the solar wind.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2024

Cancer tool “unable to accurately predict” toxicity levels in UK patients

A UK study found that a widely-used cancer treatment tool is unable to accurately predict toxicity levels in older adults. The Cancer Aging Research Group (CARG) score was developed to estimate severe chemotherapy-related side effects but failed to provide reliable results in this population. In contrast, frailty screening tools showed...

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalBMJ Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2024

Quantifying the economic impacts of climate change

A study by Weikai Li aims to quantify the economic impacts of climate change on business and financial markets in Singapore. The research explores how carbon pricing policies affect firm profitability and market value, as well as their potential to support a low-carbon economy through increased costs, government revenue recycling, and ...

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 30, 2024

What is the impact of segment disclosure on equity-based compensation?

The study reveals that segment disclosure and reporting increase the implicit motivation for managers to act in shareholders' interests. Equity-based compensation incentives decrease following the introduction of SFAS 131, with a more pronounced effect in volatile market environments and firms with weak operations monitoring.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateAug 30, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Non-Hermitian skin effect in all dimensions tied to point-gap topology

Researchers found a way to systematically account for energy spectra and skin effects across various lattice geometries using virtual gauge transformations. This approach reveals how different geometries correspond to different momentum bases, allowing for the manipulation of skin modes through lattice tailoring.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 30, 2024